30.03 Ct.Tw.Total Carat Weight Malachite Pair from Russia

This matched pair of malachites offered by The Natural Gemstone Company presents a compelling combination of weight, color, and workmanship. The two stones weigh 15.06 carats and 14.97 carats respectively, and their dimensions are 19.96 x 14.95 x 2.94 millimeters and 20.11 x 14.93 x 2.91 millimeters, making them exceptionally well matched for use in a pair of earrings, cufflinks, or a symmetrical pendant setting. These pieces are cushion shaped and executed in a tablet cut, which emphasizes the striking banded pattern that characterizes fine malachite. The stones are opaque, as expected for natural malachite, and present an intense green color intensity that ranges from deep forest green to vibrant emerald tones across the bands. The polish is excellent, producing a smooth, reflective surface that enhances the contrast between the light and dark banding, while the overall lapidary work preserves the natural rhythm of the mineral without over thinning the material.

From a gemological perspective these malachites are notable for a clarity grade of eye clean as evaluated at eye level. Eye clean denotes the absence of fractures, pits, or foreign inclusions that are visible without magnification, which is particularly important in opaque stones where surface and structural integrity affect both appearance and durability. These examples show tight, parallel banding and no visible matrix or destabilized zones that could compromise polishing or setting. No enhancement has been applied to these stones, a factor that increases their desirability for collectors and for buyers seeking natural, untreated material. The absence of resin impregnation or dyeing is confirmed through standard visual and tactile inspection techniques performed by our in house gemological team, and the excellent surface polish indicates careful cutting and final finishing, rather than surface fillers concealing defects.

The origin of these malachites is Russia, a region with a long established history of producing high quality copper carbonate minerals from well documented deposits. Russian malachite, particularly from historically significant mining districts in the Ural Mountains, is prized by collectors for its characteristic color saturation and robust banded patterns. Provenance matters to educated buyers because regional geological conditions influence color zoning, banding morphology, and the presence or absence of undesirable inclusions or veining. When provenance is coupled with eye clean clarity and no enhancement, the stones command a premium relative to comparable material of uncertain origin. At The Natural Gemstone Company we place a high value on traceable sourcing and quality control, and these malachite pieces have been inspected and selected to meet rigorous standards for matching, color intensity, and stability.

For practical considerations and long term enjoyment these malachites are best used in protective settings that minimize exposure to abrasion and chemicals. Malachite has a Mohs hardness around three and a half to four, so a bezel setting or a setting with a protective surround is recommended to reduce the risk of chipping at edges, and cleaning should be performed with a soft cloth and mild soapy water, avoiding ultrasonic cleaners and steam. Jewelry designers and connoisseurs will appreciate the balance these stones provide between aesthetic impact and working stability, since the tablet cut yields a low profile suitable for inlay work while retaining ample surface area to showcase the linear banding that makes malachite instantly recognizable. For the discerning buyer who values natural coloration, matched pair harmony, and documented origin, these Russian malachites from The Natural Gemstone Company represent a rare opportunity to acquire untreated, eye clean material with excellent polish and intense color intensity.